10 Most Deadly Home Maintenance Accidents

Home maintenance and renovations are so common that we often don't
consider the hidden dangers of poking around in our home's wiring
or mending a broken window.

But many areas of home maintenance—while mundane on the surface—have
the potential to cause significant damage both to your body and your home.

Let's take a look at ten of the most dangerous home maintenance accidents
waiting to happen, and how you can avoid them.

1. Falling from Ladders

Even 'secure' ladders are nothing more than an unstable platform.
Concentrating on your work can often make you forget that you're perched
above the ground, and can lead to slips and falls. Ladder accidents—even
from just a few feet—can cause broken bones, sprains, and head injuries.
Always have a spotter while you work to keep you safe and your ladder secure.

2. Electrical Shocks

The electrical current running through your home is more than enough to
cause serious injuries and even death.

Taping broken insulation, replacing wires or fixing circuit breakers can
all lead to unwanted exposure to those currents, and there's no way
to tell just how serious the shock will be. Double-check to make sure
the electricity is turned off in any areas of the home where you might
be working.

3. Gas Leaks

Boiler and stove gas leaks can and do happen, and requires soldering, welding,
and the use of flames with the risk of exposure to the highly flammable
gas. Burns, fires, and explosions can occur.

Always shut off the mains gas supply before repairs, and make sure the
leaks are fixed before turning the gas back on.

4. Broken Glass

Because fixing broken windows seems like such a simple task, people often
forget to wear protective gear. But even a slight slip-up can cause deep
cuts that quickly lead to rapid blood loss. Always wear protective clothing
when working with broken glass.

5. Carbon Monoxide

Whenever you work on your vehicle in your garage and need to turn the engine
on, be sure to leave the door open. Even a few minutes of carbon monoxide
exposure can be deadly. Even better, use an electric fan to keep your
garage well ventilated.

6. Carpentry

Chisels, Saws, hammers and other tools require a lot of force for them
to work, and even a tiny bit of carelessness can lead to serious injury.
Always use protective gear, including eye protection, when working with
such tools.

7. Gardening Tools

Power tools, clippers, and shears are all commonly used this time of year
and can lead to deep cuts or even lost fingers if used carelessly. Closed-toe
shoes, eyewear and gloves are essential when using gardening tools.

8. Asbestos

Asbestos exposure can happen in older homes during remodeling, especially
when knocking down walls. Asbestos insulation in old houses releases fine
particulates when disturbed, which are then inhaled and can cause serious
issues in the lungs. Working near asbestos requires the use of serious
protective gear, like hazmat suits.

Before remodeling your home, have your walls checked for asbestos. If needed,
call in the professionals before continuing with your project.

9. Heavy Loads

Carrying heavy tools and equipment for your remodel or maintenance work
can lead to damaging muscle and joint injuries if you aren't careful.
Enlist the help of a friend or rent a dolly if needed, and avoid sprains,
muscle tears, and dislocations.

10. Paint

Even with paints that are Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) free, inhalation
of fumes can make you sick—especially if you're allergic to
any of the chemicals in the paint. Use a mask whenever you deal with paint,
even if you've never had a reaction before.

Home maintenance and renovations are part and parcel of being a homeowner.
Being prepared and aware are half the battle to stay safe. While small
incidents will always occur, protecting yourself from the serious accidents
is easy as long as you use your head and stay alert.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.